Instagram Slang: Things You Must Know Before Using

Instagram slang is used by users to communicate with each other in a more casual and informal way. It can include hashtags, emojis, and abbreviations.

One popular hashtag that you may see on Instagram is #OOTD, which stands for “Outfit of the Day.” This hashtag is used by users to showcase their daily outfits to their followers. Another hashtag is #TBT used by users to post old pictures on Thursdays to give their followers a glimpse into their past.

Emojis are also a popular way to communicate on Instagram. They are used to convey emotions, such as happiness or sadness, and can also be used to replace words. For example, the red heart (❤️) indicates love.

Abbreviations are also widely used on Instagram. Some common examples include:

LMAO: Laughing My Ass Off
ROFL: Rolling On the Floor Laughing
IDK: I Don’t Know
IMO: In My Opinion
TBH: To Be Honest
YOLO: You Only Live Once

In summary, Instagram has its own unique language and slang that is used by users to communicate with each other in a more casual and informal way. If you’re new to the platform, it may take some time to understand all the different hashtags, emojis, and abbreviations, but with time, you’ll be able to use them like a pro.

Difference Between Instagram Slang And Hashtag:

Instagram slang and hashtags are two different things that are used on the platform for different purposes.

Instagram slang is the informal language and terminology used by users on the platform to communicate with each other. For example, someone might use the abbreviation “LMAO” (Laughing My Ass Off) to indicate that they found something funny.

Hashtags are a way for users to tag their posts with relevant keywords so that other users can find them more easily. When a user clicks on a hashtag, they will be taken to a feed of all the posts that have been tagged with that same hashtag.

In summary, Instagram slang is the informal language and terminology used by users to communicate with each other, while hashtags are used to organize and categorize content on the platform.

Types of Instagram Slangs:

There are several types of Instagram slang that are commonly used on the platform.

Abbreviations: Examples include “LMAO” (Laughing My Ass Off), “ROFL” (Rolling On the Floor Laughing), “IDK” (I Don’t Know), “IMO” (In My Opinion), “TBH” (To Be Honest), and “YOLO” (You Only Live Once).
Emojis: These are small graphical symbols that are used to convey emotions or ideas. Examples include the crying laughing emoji (😂) which is used to indicate something is funny, the red heart (❤️) indicating love, the clapping hands (👏) indicating agreement or applause, and the surprised face (😲) indicating shock or surprise.
Acronyms: These are phrases made up of the first letters of multiple words that are used to represent the phrase. For example, “GOAT” (Greatest Of All Time), “BFF” (Best Friends Forever), “WCW” (Woman Crush Wednesday)
Initialisms: These are phrases made up of the first letters of multiple words, but unlike acronyms, they are not pronounced as a word. For example, “BTW” (By The Way), “TTYL” (Talk To You Later), and “IRL” (In Real Life).
Emote: These are emoticons that are used as an expression of emotions.
Hashtag Slang: This type of slang is used to label and categorize content on Instagram, for example, #OOTD (Outfit of the Day), #TBT (Throwback Thursday), #FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

These are some of the types of Instagram slang that are commonly used on the platform, but new terms and trends are constantly emerging, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest lingo.

Importance:

Instagram slang plays an important role in the way users communicate on the platform. Here are a few ways in which it is important:

Brevity: Instagram slang allows users to communicate more quickly and efficiently by using abbreviations and acronyms, which saves space and time.
Emotional expression: Emojis and emoticons are a quick and easy way for users to convey their emotions and feelings in a visual way, which helps to make conversations more engaging and personal.
Inclusivity: Instagram slang can help to create a sense of community and belonging among users by giving them a shared language and set of symbols that they can use to connect with others.
Authenticity: Instagram slang can help users to express themselves in a more authentic and true-to-life way, which can make their profiles more relatable and interesting to others.
Staying current: Instagram slang keeps changing with time, and using the latest slang shows that the user is aware of the current trend and is up-to-date with the platform.

It’s important to note that Instagram slang is not for everyone, and some users may not be comfortable with it. However, for those who are, it can add an extra layer of fun and creativity to their interactions on the platform.

Instagram Slangs Used For Different Categories:

1- Networking:

“Follower” – a person who follows your Instagram account
“Follow back” – a request for someone to follow you back on Instagram
“Likes” – the number of times a post has been “liked” by users
“Engagement” – the level of interaction on a post, including likes and comments
“Followers” – the number of people following an Instagram account
“Instagram story” – a feature that allows users to post photos or videos that disappear after 24 hours
“Hashtag” – a keyword or phrase preceded by a “#” symbol, used to make a post searchable by that term
“SFS” – short for “shoutout for the shoutout,” used to exchange shoutouts on Instagram
“Tagging” – the act of mentioning other Instagram users in a post or comment by using the “@” symbol.
“DM” – short for “direct message,” used to privately message another Instagram user

2- Marketing:

“Sponsored post” – a post on Instagram that is paid for by a brand.
“Affiliate marketing” – a type of marketing where an influencer promotes a product or service and receives a commission for each sale made through their unique referral link
“Niche” – a specific topic or market that an influencer or brand focuses on
“Reach” – the number of people an Instagram post or account can potentially reach
“Engagement rate” – the portion of an influencer’s followers who encounter their range.
“ROI” – short for “return on investment,” a measure of the effectiveness of a marketing campaign in terms of financial gain.
“Influencer” – a person with a large following on social media, often used in marketing campaigns to promote products or services

3- Conversational:

Here are some common slangs used in conversations on Instagram:

“Slayin” – is used to describe someone who is killing it or doing great.
“Slayed” – used to describe something that is great
“Slayage” – used to describe the action of killing it or doing great
“Slay Queen” – is used to describe a woman who is confident, fashionable, and successful.
“Slay King” – is used to describe a man who is confident, fashionable, and successful.
“Slay All Day” – is used to describe someone who is consistently killing it or doing great.
“Slayed it” – used to describe something or someone who did really well.
“Slayin the game” – is used to describe someone who is dominating in a particular area or field.
“Slayed the competition” – used to describe someone who won or succeeded against the competition.

This Slang is often used in a playful and light-hearted way and can be used to compliment or tease friends and followers. They are also used as a way to express excitement or enthusiasm for something or someone.

When To Use Instagram Slangs:

Instagram slang is typically used in informal situations, such as when writing captions for personal posts, commenting on friends’ posts, or sending direct messages. They can be used to add personality and style to your online communication and can also help you connect with others who use similar language and terminology.

However, it’s important to be aware of the context in which you are using the slang and to use them appropriately. For example, if you’re communicating professionally or in a formal setting, it’s best to avoid using Instagram slang. Similarly, if you’re communicating with someone who may not understand the slang you’re using, it’s best to avoid using it or to explain it.

Some slang may be considered offensive or inappropriate and should be avoided.

In general, it’s best to use Instagram slang in a playful and light-hearted way and to use them to express excitement or enthusiasm for something or someone.

Guide For Parents:

Ask Questions: If you’re not sure what slang means, don’t be afraid to ask your child or to look it up online.
Set Boundaries: Discuss with your child what is appropriate to say and share on Instagram, and establish rules and guidelines for their use of the platform.
Monitor Activity: Regularly check in with your child and review their activity on Instagram, including the posts they make and the comments they receive.
Open Communication: Encourage open and honest communication with your child about their use of Instagram, and be available to answer any questions they may have.
Keep Updated: Stay informed about new slang and trends, so you can keep up with your child’s communication.
Be Aware of Potential Risks: Be aware that some slang may be associated with risky or dangerous behaviors, and educate your child about the potential risks associated with these behaviors.
Be Supportive: Remember that Instagram is a way for your child to express themselves and connect with friends, and try to be supportive of their use of the platform.
Educate About Cyberbullying: Talk to your child about the potential negative effects of using slang on Instagram, such as cyberbullying and online harassment. Remind them to be respectful and kind to others, and to not engage in any form of bullying or harassment.
Discuss The Importance of Privacy: Explain to your child the importance of keeping personal information private and how to properly set their account’s privacy settings.
Role-Play: Practice different scenarios with your child, such as how to respond to an inappropriate comment or how to report a cyberbullying incident. This will help them to know what to do in real-life situations.
Encourage Balance: Remind your child to take regular breaks from social media and to engage in other activities, such as exercise, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Learn The Basics: Familiarize yourself with the most common Instagram slang and its meanings.

By following these tips, parents can better understand the language and culture of Instagram, set appropriate boundaries, and help their children navigate the platform safely and responsibly. It’s also important to keep in mind that parenting is a continuous process and you should adapt to the changes and new technologies that come along.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Instagram slangs are informal terms, phrases, and expressions that are commonly used on the social media platform Instagram. They can be used to add personality and style to captions, comments, and direct messages, and can also be used to convey a specific emotion or message. As a parent, it is important to familiarize yourself with the slang, understand its meanings, and set appropriate boundaries for its use.

Additionally, it is important to monitor your child’s activity, encourage open communication, and educate them about potential risks such as cyberbullying and the importance of privacy. By following these tips, parents can better understand the language and culture of Instagram and help their children navigate the platform safely and responsibly.

FAQs:

What is the formal definition of Instagram Slang?

Instagram slangs are informal terms, phrases, and expressions that are commonly used on the social media platform Instagram. They can be used to add personality and style to captions, comments, and direct messages, and can also be used to convey a specific emotion or message.

Why do people use Instagram slang?

People use Instagram slang to express themselves in a unique and creative way and to connect with others who use similar language and terminology. Additionally, using Instagram slang can help users to create a distinct online persona and build a personal brand on the platform.

Are Instagram slangs appropriate for professional communication?

No, Instagram slang is typically used in informal situations, such as when writing captions for personal posts, commenting on friends’ posts, or sending direct messages. They should be avoided in professional communication or in a formal setting.

How can parents support their youngsters to steer Instagram vernacular?

Parents can help their children navigate Instagram slang by familiarizing themselves with the most common slang and their meanings, asking questions, setting boundaries, monitoring activity, fostering open communication, educating about cyberbullying, discussing the importance of privacy, fostering critical thinking, role-playing, and encouraging balance.

Can Instagram slang be offensive or inappropriate?

Yes, some Instagram slang may be considered offensive or inappropriate and should be avoided. It’s important to be aware of the context in which you are using this slang and to use them appropriately.

Instagram Slang: Things You Must Know Before Using